Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 13,137, Isaac Gilbert, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Gilbert, Isaac
813137
CONTENTS
[Faint, illegible handwriting on lined paper]
[Faint, illegible handwriting on lined paper]

9310 -
Connecticut Isaac Gilbert
of New Haven in the State of Conn who was a pri - in the Conn commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg commanded by Col Swift in the Conn time for 14 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 40 Dollars 50 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 d day of May 33 - and Act 6. 1 Ingraham New Haven Ct Arrears to the 4th of March: 33: $193, 32 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sep. 1. 33. 23.33 $116.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 13

No 5591.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of Connecticut, } ss. County of New-Haven, }
On this 10 th day of August 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Probate Court of New Haven District in & County now sitting, Deacon  Gilbert a resident of New Haven in the County of New-Haven, and State of Connecticut, aged 75 years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832:—That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:— In the month of September A.D. 1775, the particular day of the month he does not recollect, he, then living in said New Haven , enlisted in a company of Connecticut State Troops, for two months, to fortify the town of New Haven , and continued to serve in said company for said term of two months, being employed the chief part of said time, in erecting fortifications, to guard said town of New Haven . Said company was commanded by Captain Joseph Thompson , Lieutenant Phineas Bradley ; the Ensign's name, he does not recollect. Sergeant Justin was orderly Sergeant of said company. Said company, according to his present recollection, con- sisted of about seventy five men, and he knows of no one but himself, who is now alive, that served with him at that time. In the month of January 1776, the particular day, not recollected, he, then living in said New Haven , enlisted in a volun- teer company for two months, to go to New York , and guard said New York — Said company was commanded by Capt John Thatchers ; Joseph Trowbridge

was Lieutenant. We marched to New York, through the towns of Milford, Stratford, Fairfield, Danneck &c. We were not attached to any Regiment. When we arrived at New York, two British Ships of war, the Asia and Phoenix, were lying in the east river, near Bowling Green. He continued with said com- pany for said term of two months, and then return- ed home, by water, to New Haven. Benjamin Prescott and Daniel Goff, now living in New Haven served with me, in this town. I do not recollect, of any other members of said company that is living.
In the fore part of the month of June 1776, the former day, not recollecting, Capt Peter Thatchers of New Haven, had a commission from the State of Con- nieticut, to enlist a company of men, for six months, to go to Lake Champlain, and Ticonderoga. The above not enlisted as a member of said company, and marched from New Haven to Skeneborough, landing on said lake. The officers of said company were Capt, Thatchers, Lieutenant Chambelein, and Ensign Baldwin. Said company continued at said Skene- borough, collecting timber and lumber for building gun boats to defend said lake, until said gun boats were finished. Then such part of said company as were sailors, or accustomed to the water had orders,

to ship, on board said boats. Left Natchez next on board of said boats with a part of said company, and the remainder of the company, under the command of Lieutenant Chamberlain and Ensign Baldwin, had orders to march to Vincennes. I continued with that part of the company, that remained in New Orleans, and went with it, under the command of Lieut. Chamberlain to Vincennes, where we arrived, and had orders to join Col. Swift's regiment, opposite Vincennes on Mount Independence. And said Regiment contin- ued at said Mount Independence, fortifying the shores, on the Lake, until Col. Swift marched said Regiment from said Mount Independence, across a floating bridge to Vincennes, where said Regiment was dismissed. In the fall of the year above described, there was an engagement on said Lake, in which the American fleet was defeated. The same year General Watery and Arnold commenced at Vincennes. Left Natch- ez, and the remainder of our company, who went, on board the fleet, were taken by the enemy. At the end of my said term of six months I returned home. In going to Skeneborough, we marched in company, through Wat- bury, Litchfield, Canaan, Sheffield &c. After having served our term, and were dismissed, sent me out home as he came - Benjamin Prescott, now living in Northampton enlisted with me, in said company, and went as far

as Skimsborough, when he was taken sick, and returned home. I recollect of no other members of said company, who is alive. A man by the name of Joseph Horner may be alive, but if he is, the declarant does not know where he is to be found -
In the month of January 1877, the particular day, not recollecting, the declarant, then living in said West Haven, enlisted for two months , as a member of a volunteer company, officered, by Benjamin Sabin as Captain, and James Hillhouse as Lieutenant, and marched with said officers and men, belonging to said company, to Wochester in the State of New York: and while in that expedition, the British Light Horse came out against our Troops, killed some and wounded some of the men. I continued with said company, until we were dismissed, then I returned home to West Haven. I know of no members of said company now living, except James Hillhouse , who at the time was our Lieutenant -
In the month of September 1877, I enlisted in a volunteer company, under Capt James Hillhouse for two months , and marched, through Berlin , to Forkill in the State of New York, and continued with said company, until dismissed, then I returned home. I know of no members of said company now

living except Phebe Billhouse -
In the month of April 1777 I went as a volunteer to Sengstack in Fairfield County in the State of Connecticut, with Capt Phebe Billhouse, and had an engagement with the British troops on their return from Berkeley , where they had been to destroy the American stores then deposited - Gen Arnold commanded the American troops - Capt Billhouse of Northam, while standing by my side, was shot through the head and killed. Sam Bradley and Elijah Alling also of Northam, and belonging to the same company with me, were wounded - We pursued the enemy until I fired that day 24 rounds of powder and ball. The British landed some fresh troops, when we were obliged to retreat. In this expedition I was engaged in the service for about one week - When the British came to New Haven on the 5 th of July 1779, I went out as a volunteer to meet them - I was in the company commanded by Phebe Billhouse - At this time I was in service only a few days.
I was born at Northam, on the 8 th day of November 1756 - The record of my age was placed in the family bible of my father, which I have often seen. At the usual times I was called

into service. I lived at New Wotten, and have always there lived. I never received any military discharge. I have no documentary evi- dence to support my claim. I am known to the Rev. Frederick Key, President of Yale College, Hon. William Bristol District Judge of the Dis- trict of Connecticut: Hon. Lewis Bassett, a Judge of the Superior Court: Nathan Smith, Senator elect in the Congress of the United States: Ralph D. Ingersoll member of Congress: Mrs. H. Ellis Collins of New Haven: Abraham Bishop late collector of Wotten: Henry W. Edwards, late Senator in Congress, and numerous others. They can testify to my character for manly and their belief of my services in the revolutionary war.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, except that of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest - Anthony D. Sanford Clerk.  Isaac Gilbert
We, Noah Jennings a Clergyman, residing in North Haven and M rs Austin residing in said North Haven hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Isaac Gilbert who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be 75 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest - Anthony D. Sanford Clerk.  M rs Austin  Noah Jennings
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Noah Jennings who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in North Haven and that M rs Austin who has also signed the same, is a resident in said North Haven and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit, and that each of the deponents to the depositions hereunto annexed are not a true and complete full account. Col. J. G. Gage roll, p. 100, 21 st Dec. 1831.
I, Anthony D. Sanford Clerk of the Probate Court of North Haven do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Isaac Gilbert for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 24 th day of August 1832
Anthony D. Sanford Clerk

I believe Soff Phipps of New Haven in the state of Connecticut, do on oath testify and say; That I am now eighty one years of age, and have lived in said New Haven, for nearly fifty years last past - In the winter of the year 1776, as I think, though I cannot be positive of the year, I volunteered to go to New York, in a company commanded by Capt. Ethan Thatche, it was the same Captain Thatche, who was afterwards taken on Lake Champlain - I at the time lived in said New Haven. I do not recollect the month, but I know it was cold weather, and that the ice was running in east river. It was at the time when the British ships of war, Hessians and Provincials, were lying in the east river. I do not recollect any other officers of the com- pany except Capt. Thatche. We marched to New York, through the towns of Milford Stratford, Fairfield &c. I cannot state exactly how long I remained upon this tour, but should say it was several weeks - I know that I remained, as long as Capt. Thatche's company remained - I do not remember many of the members of said com- pany - Most of them I have forgotten. I have no particular recollection of General Putnam as a member of said company. I have however

recently conversed with the same Silas, as- ding several incidents that took place while I was a member of said company, and I am satisfied, that the same Silas was a mem- ber of said company, and served in the regim- ent here as a unit of this - Dan Goff been & subscribed to in open court, before the probate court, the day and year aforesaid
Attest - Stanley S. Sanford . Clerk

I Benjamin Prescott of New Haven in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, do on oath testify and say - That I am now seventy four years of age - In the month of January 1776, I lived at New Haven, and enlisted in a volun- teer company, for two months, (as I think, it might have been for three) to go to New York, and defend said New York - Captain John Thatch, commanded the company; and Joseph Trumbull was our Lieutenant - We marched to New York, through the towns of Milford, Stratford, Fairfield, halted a short time at Norwalk, Norwalk & having arrived at New York, performed our term of service - When our term of service was out, I with the rest of the company, returned to New Haven by water - I recollect, that Hosea Gilbert, of New Haven, who has made a declaration in order to obtain a pension, was a member of said company and served in the same, for the same length of time that I did, which I think was two months -
In the month of June 1776, I enlisted as a member of a company commanded by Capt John Thatch,

to go to Lake Champlain and Ticonderoga - I at the time lined at said Waltham, and the members of the company enlisted for six months - The company  the members, from Sims  Skene borough said Waltham, to Skeneborough including in Lake Champlain; and from them to Ticonderoga. While said company was at Skeneborough  Ticonderoga , I was taken sick, and my brother came for me from Waltham, and I got permission to return home a short time before my enlistment was out - Isaac Gilbert was a member of said company, and marched with us from said Waltham, and when I returned home as above stated I left him with said company at Skeneborough Ticonderoga. I heard hereafter, that a part only of said company, went from Skeneborough to Ticonderoga - At Skeneborough, a part of the company with Capt. Thatcher, joined the rest on the Lake, and were taken - The remainder of the company, under Lieut. Chamberlain marched to Ticonderoga -
George Prescott
Sworn and subscribed to in open court before the Probate Court, the day and year aforesaid
Attest - Anthony D. Farnsworth Clerk

I Pennis Hillhouse of New Haven in the State of Connecticut, do on oath testify, and say - That in the winter of 1776 and 77, I was Lieutenant of a company in said New Haven called the Grenadiers Guard, which com- pany was commanded by Captain Hezekiah Sabin. Dur- ing that winter, said company, as volunteers, with such others as joined it for the occasion, performed a two months tour against the enemy at Winchester in the State of New York, and its vicinity. I should think the time that we were in service was two months, though it might have been a shorter or a longer period. We marched from New Haven to Winchester, and when our time was out, we marched back to New Haven.
In the month of September 1777 the same company of Grenadiers Guard, with such other volunteers as joined it for the occasion, marched under my command to Fishkill in the State of New York, through the towns of Danbury &c and there continued in service as soldiers for several weeks, the precise number I cannot recollect. I know this, that when we were out, in this town, Burgoyne was taken. When our company was dismissed we marched home. In these expeditions, I can recollect

of but very few, who were members of the company, & which I was an officer. I have no particular recollection of having been Gilbert, as a member of said company, at the time . but I have no doubt, that he  he served in it, as then existed. I have long known the said Isaac Gilbert, and he has always instanced a fair character for truth, and full reliance can be placed upon his statements under oath. My recollection as to who the individual members of the company were, is very indis- tinct. I can now remember only three or four. The company consisted of about sixty. In the month of April 1797 the said company under my command went to Saugatuck as volunteers, to meet the British in their return from Danbury. At this time we were out only a few days.
James Hillhouse
Some I subscribe to the day and year aforesaid in open court before the Probate Court.
Attest - Arthur G. Sanford Clerk

We the undersigned inhabitants of the town of New Haven, in the State of Connecticut, being of lawful age, do sincerely depose and say - That we have for a long time, been acquainted with Aaron Gilbert of said New Haven, who has made a decla- ration in order to obtain the benefit of the Pension act lately passed by Congress - We in our own knowl- ed truth and veracity, and we share here implicit reliance, upon his statements under oath. We have no doubt, that the declaration which he has made con- tains the truth, and that he informed us in the Revolutionary war, as stated in said declaration.
David Dagg
Mr. J. Ingersoll
Wm. D. Bristol
Wm. Ellis
Sworn and subscribed to the day and year expressed in open court before the Probate Court.
Abner Anthony D. Sanford Clerk

5591
Isaac Gilbert 6, t
14 m o privato
$46.66
C. A. Ingersoll New Haven

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Isaac Gilbert 6t
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1745 2 Private Capt Thompson 75. entered in 67 of St Haven 6t   July 1746 volun. 2 " Capt Thatcher now lives in said place   June 11 mths 6 " " Col Swift   July 1747 " 2 " Capt Sabin Three surviving witnesses know all but the first hour of service Certificate of a Churchman and four citizens.   Sep 11. " 2 " Capt Hildhouse   April 11. "about" 7 " "   July 1749 few days " "  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any evil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Isaac Gilbert a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. file 13,137
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Sept. 1775 2 mos. Joseph Thompson ✓ Conn.   Jany. 1776 2 " John Thatcher ✓   June 1776 6 " John Thatcher Swift   Jany. 1777 2 " Hezekiah Sabin ✓   April 1777 1 week James Hillhouse ✓   Sept. 1777 2 mos. James Hillhouse ✓   July 5 1779 for days " " ✓  
Expedition to Ticonderoga -
Battles engaged in, Saratoga - Westchester
Residence of soldier at enlistment, New Haven Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 10 1832 - Allowed.
Residence at date of application, New Haven Conn.
Age at date of application, Nov. 8 1756 at New Haven, Conn.
Remarks: _____

Rev War
13137 INVALID.
File No. 13, 137
Isaac Gilbert Brig. Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 142
[Arrangement of 1870.]

May 15 - 1902 Wm P. Chandler N. Haven Conn
1911 Apr. 25. Hiet. to Nellie E. Hotchkiss

envelope returned
Adel, Ia.
Apr. 19-11
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Sir - Will you kindly send me the number of the volume of the document which contains the pension record of services performed in the Revolutionary War by Isaac Gilbert of New Haven, Conn. I enclose stamped envelope for reply.
Willie E. Hotchkiss
Adel, Ia.
5/3137

New Haven Conn April 5 1902
Commission of Pension Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: Will you kindly give me the record of Isaac Anibut a Revolutionary soldier from Connecticut and a pension from New Haven County.
Respectfully
William E. Chandler